增材制造技术在小型模块化反应堆领域的应用现状与发展趋势OA

Small modular reactors(SMRs),as an emerging nuclear technology with miniaturization and modularization based on Generation III and IV reactor technologies,have become a global hotspot for nuclear technology innovation.Addi-tive manufacturing technology can empower SMRs by supporting the performance enhancement of advanced nuclear materi-als,facilitating the design and manufacture of complex components and promoting the mass production of key equipment.Initially,based on the directory included in the International Atomic Energy Agency's"Small Modular Reactors:Progress Report 2024",a comprehensive survey was conducted on the current application status of additive manufacturing technology in SMRs development.Across the six technical routes of SMRs,a horizontal comparison was conducted among materials,components,and equipment which utilized metal additive manufacturing technology in various reactor designs.Compared with traditional manufacturing technology,the performance or economic enhancement of additive manufacturing was well studied.Moreover,a vertical study was carried out focusing on the layout of nuclear additive manufacturing projects and the research directions of relevant institutes and universities in traditional nuclear advanced countries such as the United States,Russia,France,the United Kingdom,Canada and so on.The international development trends of additive manufacturing technology in SMRs was revealed.Finally,by synthesizing the horizontal comparison and vertical analysis,it was concluded that metal additive manufacturing technology has already accumulated substantial practical application experience in SMRs.This includes the production of advanced fuels such as TRISO fuel with uranium nitride,U3Si2 fuel and FCM fuel,as well as advanced nuclear materials like nickel-based superalloys,refractory metal-based alloys and boron carbide composite wires.It also encompasses the manufacturing of geometrically complex reactor components such as fuel assembly base and support pieces,control valves,as well as the manufacturing of key equipment like pressure vessel test pieces and printed cir-cuit heat exchangers.The development of additive manufacturing technology in SMRs will show a trend progressing from ir-relevant to essential parts,and from prototypes to components and then to modules.As the maturity of additive manufactur-ing technology increases and the standards of which are established,a complete industrial chain from raw materials,printing equipment,relevant processes and inspection certification was funded,promoting cost reduction and large-scale application in SMRs,which holds a vast market prospect.